Los Porchs

So I was thinking about the fact that I am always tired, like yawning all day long, even in an important meeting with employees (gah!), maybe we should just consider trying for baby #2 while we're here, limping along.  The idea of getting back to a normal sleep schedule just to start this all over again is not exactly an attractive offer. Sadly, we won't get a ton of say in our plans for trying to add baby #2... and we have a lot to figure out logistically speaking as our (4) embabies are currently still Chicago residents and I still have mad RE love for Dr. TK. There's a chance that the first time we do the FET (frozen embryo transfer), it will work right away.  There's also a chance that it won't. Luckily, I am so deep in this haze of parenting that I don't have too much time to think about or process what that would mean and feel like... Would you rather be a zombie for a few years or go back to the good life and then come back to newborn hell? xo M

Today we celebrated my cousin's 2nd birthday and I continue to be amazed; this time last year, I was SUPER pregnant & camping with our good friends (who we get to see next weekend) who were also pregnant with their first child.  Fast forward a year and now that baby who we were celebrating is 2 and my baby is almost one.  Sitting at the party today, I was reminded that I need to get my poop in a group and get party details going. And then my older (my only older cousin) made a comment about sign language; she asked if we were using it with Charlie and I said no.  She mentioned she thought that would be right up my alley & I openly admitted that I had every intention of doing more sign language with her but have zero energy to think about that stuff.  I routinely use the sign for all done and dabble in "more" and "eat."  Other than that, I don't really have much else going on for this kiddo and while I'm a little sad about it, I also think she d

I am exhausted.  Always.  I could drink a pot of coffee and still fall asleep the moment my head hits the pillow, but I rarely face my alarm clock with a sense of enthusiasm.  To be fair, I have never been a morning person.  But now I have this tiny human and I find that I'm still struggling to balance my life with baby.  I yawn all day long. I was really hoping to have my poop in a group by now, almost 10 months in.  But then things like this happen and I'm worried for my own sanity: Mrs:  I have to go to the bathroom, I'll be right back.  Keep an eye on Charlie. Mr:  Okay, fine. Minutes pass by, I have gone to the restroom and accomplished some small task in the kitchen and join Mr. and Charlie in the living room. Mrs:  Shoot, I still haven't gone to the bathroom. Mr:  *worried look* You just went. Mrs:  I did?!  Really?! I wish I could make this stuff up.  I can't tell if I'm just completely sleep-deprived or losing my mind one day at a time.  I ca

My little (ok, younger) cousin is getting married this summer & I am so excited to be a part of her big day as part of her wedding party. Her shower is Sunday and I just couldn't resist sharing the pseudo guest book I put together. Friends and family will be encouraged to share their wishes & advice for her new life as a wife. In other news, Porch is building a deck this weekend with my dad. I am BEYOND excited to see the end product. I'm anticipating a deck with a gorgeous pergola where we can relax with our adult beverages and enjoy the yard. Tomorrow morning Charlotte and I are participating in a photo session with my mom's coworker to capture 4 generations of incredibly strong women. So much to look forward to this weekend! I'm just happy it's the weekend!

Let's just put this out there, we picked Charlotte before Charlotte was a princess.  ;)  And I'm not sure that the royal baby will ever be called Charlie or Charlie Bug and I'm even more certain that I don't care what they named their kid.  It's just about to be an amazingly popular baby name and we were TOTES ahead of that trend. Charlotte is 9 months old already! Stats Weight:  20 lbs, 12 oz (86.13 %ile) Length:  29.75 inches (98.75 %ile) Head circumference:  18.23 inches (96.69 %ile) This girl is perfect.  She is proportional and amazingly squishy. Teeth:  still just the 2 lower, but I'm confident she'll have a few top teeth soon.  She's been a drool machine lately and everything is back to being in her mouth. Charlotte likes... ... walking around the house (holding mama and daddy's fingers) ... Army crawling, especially when she can pull on the high pile carpet in her room ... those Gerber wheel treat things ... bath time ... blo

Mondays are hard for everyone (babies included), especially after a weekend spent with family in the north woods. Armed with that knowledge, I spent a few quiet moments reflecting on my job and what I'm doing within the context of my position. I jotted down some notes of reflection in my journal and did my best to gather what Charlotte and I would need to be successful today & have it ready for the morning. Somehow, this day almost seemed serene. For real! I didn't feel crazed or rushed at any point & actually see myself making progress on some big projects this week. Maybe those few moments spent reflecting and preparing need to be incorporated into my normal end of the day routine! How refreshing to finish a Monday with a sense of accomplishment & drive! Here's lookin at you, Tuesday. Xo Mama Porch